Aadujeevitham, also known as The Got Life, is a 2024 Malayalam survival drama film directed and co-produced by Blessy. The film is a joint effort of Indian and American production companies. It is based on Benjamin’s 2008 Malayalam novel Adujeevitham, which tells the true story of Najeeb, a Malayali immigrant worker who, like many Indians, is forced into slavery in Saudi Arabia, raising goats in remote desert fields.
Prithviraj Sukumaran stars as Najeeb, with Jimmy Jean-Louis and K.R. Gokul is in the lead role. The supporting cast includes Talib Al Balushi, Rick Abi, Amla Paul and Shobha Mohan. Initially, the film was banned in all GCC countries except the UAE, but later the ban was lifted from all countries except Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The novel also faced similar restrictions.
Blassey wanted to turn Adujivitham into a film ever since he first read it in 2008. He cast Prithviraj and bought the rights from Benjamin the following year. However, financial issues delayed the project for years. In 2015, Blassy finally found producers including Jimmy Jean-Louis and Steven Adams, which allowed the project to move forward. A.R. Rahman composed the music.
Filming took place in various stages from March 2018 to July 2022. The team shot in Wadi Rum in Jordan and the Sahara Desert in Algeria, with some scenes filmed in Kerala, India. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the crew was stranded in Jordan for 70 days but was eventually brought back to India by the Vande Bharat Mission. Filming ended on July 14, 2022.
Introduction to The Got Life
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Blessy |
| Screenplay by | Blessy |
| Based on | Aadujeevitham by Benyamin |
| Produced by | Blessy, Jimmy Jean Louis, Steven Adams |
| Starring | Prithviraj Sukumaran |
| Cinematography | Sunil K. S. |
| Edited by | A. Sreekar Prasad |
| Music by | A. R. Rahman |
| Production companies | Visual Romance, Jet Media Production, Alta Global Media |
| Distributed by | Prithviraj Productions |
| Release date | 28 March 2024 |
| Running time | 173 minutes |
| Countries | India, United States |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Budget | ₹82 crore |
| Box office | est. ₹160 crore |
The Got Life Movie Cast & Crew
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Prithviraj Sukumaran | Najeeb Muhammed |
| K. R. Gokul | Hakeem |
| Amala Paul | Sainu, Najeeb’s wife |
| Jimmy Jean-Louis | Ibrahim Khadiri |
| Shobha Mohan | Ummah, Najeeb’s mother |
| Talib Al Balushi | Kafeel |
| Rik Aby | Jasser |
| Nasar Karutheni | Kunjikka |
| Robin Das | Hindiwala |
| Baburaj Thiruvalla | Karuvatta Sreekumar |
| Akef Najem | Rich Man in Rolls Royce |
Gross Box Office Collection
| Location | Amount (in crore Rs) |
|---|---|
| India (Net) | 81.88 |
| India (Gross) | 93.58 |
| Worldwide (Total) | 151.38 |
| Overseas | 57.8 |
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Heartfelt thanks, @DirRajivMenon, for heaping praise on #TheGoatLife's efforts and hard work in putting up this larger-than-life movie! #Aadujeevitham #TheGoatLifeOn28thMarch @DirectorBlessy @benyamin_bh @arrahman @prithviofficial @Amala_ams @Haitianhero @rikaby @resulp pic.twitter.com/5dwUJQjOg8
— The Goat Life (@TheGoatLifeFilm) March 27, 2024
The Incredible Journey of Najib: A Story of Courage and Hope
Early dreams and disappointments
Najeeb’s family from a small village in Kerala had big dreams. In 1993, hoping for a better job, he went on a life-changing journey.
Fraud and alone in Saudi Arabia
Instead of the promised job, Najib finds himself stranded in the desert of Saudi Arabia, forced to herd a herd of goats for a harsh boss.
Difficult times and difficult situations
In a heartfelt interview in 2018 with The News Minute, Najib shared his harrowing story. He paid for his visa by selling the family land. He faced abuse, lacked basic needs and was shunned by everyone.
Lives in isolation
For two long years, Najib endured hardships and loneliness. He lived on stale bread soaked in goat’s milk and was cut off from the world.
Fight to survive
Despite the difficult times, thoughts of his pregnant wife and unborn child gave Najib strength. He had a chance to escape in 2005 when his captors were away.
Finding safety
After a perilous journey, Najib found safety in a Malayali restaurant in Riyadh. Simple things like eating, bathing and getting a haircut felt like a fresh start. Reuniting with fellow Malayalis was a relief after years of suffering.
Legal challenges and redress
Struggling with the lost documents, Najib returned home after a brief stint in prison. His return was a big change, meeting a son he barely knew.
New beginnings
Returning as a labourer, Najib finally got a chance to work in Bahrain thanks to his brother-in-law. His story shows how courage and hope can prevail even in difficult times.
